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A thread of excitement could be heard from Escambia County School System administrators and board members during a Meet and Greet event July 29 at Atmore City Hall.

The event was sponsored by the Yellow Hats Society, a local organization.

After a welcome by Mayor Jim Staff, prayer by Maurice Square and solo by Charles Wiggins, Superintendent Dr. Michele Collier said a few words.

“I’m committed to our teachers and students,” Collier said. “Last year, we went through district accreditation, and we’re accredited for the next six years.”

From the accreditation, Collier said the school system has implemented beliefs, which include providing a safe and caring learning environment for students; and to provide an equitable learning opportunity for students, to name a few.

New principals for Rachel Patterson Elementary School, Escambia County Middle School and Escambia County High School then spoke.

Deputy of Operations Shaun Goolsby provided an update on the field house at Escambia County High School.

Goolsby said contractors are painting the field house and the air conditioning has been turned on. He added that the field house should be complete by the end of August.

Board members who were present then provided three things they’re proud that they accomplished.

District 4 Board Member Cindy Jackson said she’s proud of the park across from Flomaton High School, the leadership at Pollard McCall Junior High School and the various projects completed at FHS; Board President Loumeek White said the field house was a big accomplishment and the Atmore Community Alliance; District 6 Board Member Sherry Digmon said the work at A.C. Moore Primary School and its Pre-K and kindergarten programs are things she’s proud of; and District 7 Board Member Coleman Wallace didn’t cite individual accomplishments, instead spoke on what the system has done by majority vote.

Wallace said all students are on the same page, curriculum wise; and said the new system administration is a good example of leadership that’s not living in the past.

Wallace added there is a need for a new track and field surface at ECHS.